Electric switch



A. Wl KRIEGER ELECTRIC SWITCH Aug. 8, 1939.

2 Sheets-Sheet l Filed Dec. l0, 1935 A. W. KRIEGER ELECTRIC swITcH Aug. 8, 1939.

` Filed Dec.

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`Parental Aug. s, 193e UNI'IIEID-y STATES PATENT OFFICE` ELECTRIC SWITCH poration of Delaware Application December 10, 1935, Serial No. 53,748

6 Claims.

This invention relates to improvements in electric switches.

The primary object is to provide simple, eicient and inexpensive switches for control of the circuits of low voltage electric. appliances for automobiles and the like.

Another object is to provide a new and improved form of mounting means for the switch.

Another object is to improve the appearance and the mechanical and electrical characteristics of switches of the'aforementioned character.

Another object is to effect a novel combination of elements to provide a switch and an indicating light therefor.

Another object is to provide for use of a minimum number of different parts in the production of switches having substantially different electrical control characteristics. f

Another object is to provide a switchv having a novel form of movable contactor and a novel y form of actuator therefor.

Another object is to provide `a simple form of switch the actuating element of which is movable from an intermediate off position to one of two alternate on positions.

Another object is to minimize the cost of construction andassembly of the switch parts and the expense of mounting the switch upon the dashboard of an automobile.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will hereinafter appear.

The accompanying drawings illustrate certain embodiments of the invention which will now be described,-it being understood that the invention is susceptible of embodiment in other forms within the scope of the appended claims. l

In the drawings,

Figure 1 is a top planY .view of a combined switch and indicating light as constructed in accordance with my invention,-the bracket for attachment thereof to the dashboard being omitted.

Fig. 2 is a sectional view on the line 2-2 of Fig. 3.

Fig. 3 is a sectional view on the irregular line 3 3 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 4 is an end elevation showing the portion of the switch which is normally exposed when in use.

Fig. 5 is aV bottom plan View of the switch.

Fig. 6 is a sectional view on the irregular line 6-6 of Fig. `5,-the mounting bracket being shown in assembled relation to the switch and in clamping position with'respect to the inwardly extending ange of an automobile dashboard or the like.

Fig. '7 is a sectional view, on the line 1-1 of Fig. 1l, showing a modied form of switch which may be used for speed control of the fan-driving motor of an automobile heater or the like.

Fig. 8 is a bottom plan view of the switch shown in Fig. '7.

Fig. 9 is a fragmentary sectional view on the irregular line 9-9 of Fig. lshowing the actuating means for the double-contactor element of the switch,-the actuating means being shown in its intermediate position wherein both circuits or branch circuits are interrupted.

Fig. 10 is an end elevation of the switch of Figs. '7 to 9 showing the indicating means for cooperating with the actuating lever of the switch.

of Fig. 10,-the mounting bracket being shown in assembled relation to the switch and to the dashboard of an automobile, and

Fig. 12 is a fragmentary sectional view similar to Fig. 9, but showing a slightly modified form of insulating member associated with the actuating l lever of the switch,-the switch being shown in one of its on positions.

Referring lrst to Figs. 1 to 6, wherein I have shown a simple form of on and oil switch which tion such as shown at |5c to provide a pleasing and attractive appearance to this portion of the device which is exposed when in use. The side |511 of the casing is further provided with a symmetrically arranged window or opening iiid through which light may be emitted upon energization of the signal lamp, as hereinafter described.

Casing I5 is partially closed at the upper end thereof by a wall portion I5e and integral in wardly extending lugs or flange portions l5f and |59. The opposite side walls |511 and I5i of the casing are respectively provided with pairs of lugs |51, I5k and |51, |5111 which are formed by shearing and pressing inwardly the material of the walls, as best illustrated at |53, Iiik in Fig. 6. The straight cut upper edges of said lugs are denitely spaced from the of thebracket may accommodate the inner iiange I1a of the automobile dashboard |1,

whether said inner flange is of the height illustrated or of any greater, height common in the industry. The upper arm I 6c of the bracket is provided with a threaded opening to receive the clamping bolt I8, the upper end I 811 of which is flattened and enlarged todfacilitate manual tightening thereof, and the lower end4 I8b of which is preferably pointed to bite into the inner surface of the horizontal ilange I 1b of the dashboard.

Each of the casing walls |511, |51 and |511 is provided with a sheared and inwardly pressed lug, two of which are shown at 5 and |511 in Fig. 6,-'the lug (not shown) on wall |51 being preferably vertically alined with the aforementioned lug |5111 (Fig. 2). 'The cut edges of the last mentioned lugs are preferably spaced from the lower edges of the respective walls a distance equal to the thickness of a flat punched plate I9 of insulating material which serves as the insulatingQ base of the switch. Accordingly the base 9 is adapted to seat against the three lugs last mentioned, and the casing walls are provided with ve integral lugs |511, |51, |55, l5t and |511l arranged in the manner best illustrated in Fig. 5,-said lugs being bent inwardly over base I9 to rigidly secure the same in position within casing I5.

d. the lugs I 5s Before inserting base I9 and bending inwardly and I5t I prefer to insert a exible sheet 2U of transparent or translucent insulating material, such as Celluloid-the form of said sheet being best illustrated in Figs. 3 and 6. As

will be noted the major dimensions' of sheet 28 are substantially equal to the dimensions of theA front end wall I 511 of the casing, andthe arrangement is such that said sheet is interposed between said wall and the forward end of base |9 (see Fig. 6) to insure a curvature of the sheet 1 corresponding to the curvature of said Wall.

1 b-ase I9 are provided After bending of lugs I 5S, I5t sheet -20 is restrained against outward displacement, as shown in Fig. 5. Sheet 20 is of a suitable color, preferably green, to remove the glare of the light when emitted through opening I5d by the indicating lamp hereinafter referred to.

The insulating base I9, which fits rather closewithin the area dened by the four casing walls aforementioned, is provided on the inner surface thereof with a relatively long, iiat stationary contact 2| of substantially rectangular contour;- said contact being preferably formed of strip stock of the required width. Said contact 2| and with Ialined. openings to accommodate a rivet 22, the vhollow shank of which penetrates an opening in`a terminal plate 23 and is upset over the latter,

Terminal plate 23 islprovided with a tapped opening tolreceive the shank of a binding screw 2311, and base I9 and contact 2| are provided with with contact 2|,

as shown in whereby the possibilityof rotary displacement of contact 2| with respect to rivet 22 is substantially eliminated. 'I'he movable contactor 25 is preferably punched from a sheet of conducting material, such asA phosphor-bronze, the resiliency of which is relatively high and remains high notwithstanding repeated bending thereof when in use. Superim.

posed upon the body portion of contact 25 is a substantially U-shaped clip 26 of resilient .sheet metal,the upper ends of the arms-of said clip i being bent outwardly, as indicated at 2611, to facilitate insertion between said arms of the screw shell. contact 2111 of an electric lamp 21 (Flg.1). As will be apparent from consideration of-Flg. 6, the casing l5 is grounded to the metal dashboard I1 by the aforedescribed mechanicalconnection therebetween. Accordingly I prefer to shear a portion of the wall |511 of the casing to provide an integral tongue |51' which is offset lnwardly as best illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2 to provide aresilient abutment for the center. contact 21'l of the lamp. 'Ihe wall I 51 of the casing is provided in its inner surface with a recess I5w to receive the correspondingly shaped. end of the bulb of lamp 21, whereby the lamp is securely restrained against accidental displacement.

The intermediate portion of clip 2G is provided with an opening registering with openings in contactor 25, base I9 and terminal plate 28, to .accommodate the rivet 29, the hollow lshank oi which is upset over said terminal plate, as shown in Fig.J 6. Terminal plate 28 is provided with a binding screw 28a the shank of which is accommodated by clearance openings provided in base I9 andv contactor 25. As best shown in Fig. 2, the intermediate portion of clip 26 is provided with downwardly bent portions 2tv and 26c which engage the side edges of contactor 25 to assist in preventing rotary displacement of said clip.

Contactor 25 is provided with an integral downwardly extending lug 25a which engages the walls of the extension 30 of the opening in base I9 which provides clearance for the s -ank of screw 2811 whereby rotary displacement of contactor 25 with respect to base I9 is prevented. The forward end of contactor 25 is extended laterallyas indicated at 25b to overlap. the `@forward end of contact 2 I ,-the over apping portion having a curved tip 25c which is normally biased into engagement as best illustrated in Fig. 3.

Base I9 is provided underneath the portion 2511 of the contactor with a substantially rectangular opening 3| (Figs. 3 and 6) which accommodates an insulating disk or roller 32 the diameter of which is greater than the thickness of base I9.

As aforeindicated tthe contactor 25 is biased by i the resiliency thereof into engagement with contact 2|, as indicated in full lines in Fig. 3. When contactor25 is so engaged it may be assumed that a circuit is completed lfrom a battery or other suitable source of electrical energy, through terminal plate 23, contact 2|, contactor 25, terminal plate 28 to one terminal of the resistance of a windshield "defroster or the like??- thelotherterminal of said resistance being connected to ground. In like manner a circuitmay be tracedinothe manner aforedescrlbed from the battery to cntactor25, thence through clip 25 and the screw shell terminal 2111 and filament of lamp 21,y and through the center contact 2'Ib of thela'mp and tongue I5v to ground'through the casing I5. .Lamp 21 will therefore emit a 20 and opening I 8d to indicate that the controlled circuit has been completed.

Interruption of the circuit through contact 2| and contactor 25 is effected by bodily displacing the disk or roller 32 upwardly to the dotted line position thereof indicated in Fig. 3,--wherebyy the tip 25 of contactor 25 is moved to the dotted line position thereof out of engagement with contact 2|. The means for effecting such movement of roller 32 preferably comprises a punched sheet metal lever 33 having a circular or disk-like portion 33 underlying the base I9 adjacent to the forward end of the latter. Portion 33* is provided centrally thereof with an opening 33"` to pivot upon the relatively large diameter portion 34` of a pin,said portion 34 being adapted to abut against the lower surface of base I9,-a

portion 34h of relatively smaller diameter being' adapted to penetrate a correspondingly shaped opening in base I9 and being upset over the latter as indicated at 34u. Said pin is further provided with an enlarged head 34d to retain said portion 33* l of the lever in assembled relation to base I9,-a bowed or convex 'annular washer 35 being provided to resiliently retain the portion 33* in bearing engagement with the lower surface of base I9.

The inner surface of portion '33 is arcuately I ment of the contactor tip 25 from contact 2| is effected (dotted lines Fig. 3). When roller 32 is thus raised it is permitted to seat within a slight depression 33d, which affords a click orv feel to indicate to the user that the switch is in the off position. The resulting closure of the switch upon movement of lever 33 from the'lefthand position (Fig. 2) to the right-hand position thereof shown in full lines will be apparent from the foregoing description.

1 prefer to definitely limit the range of rotary movement of lever 33 whereby only an extreme on position and an extreme off position are provided. For this purpose I provide the inner surface of the portion 33 of the lever with a stud or projection 33e which is preferably formed by an extruding operation, as best illustrated in Fig. 6. Base I9 is provided with a slot or opening 36 which is, preferably of arcuate form as shown, and the stud 33e is engageable with the opposite end walls of opening 3B to positively limit the throw of lever 33 in opposite directions respectively. The handle portion 33t of lever 33 is preferably of approximately triangular contour,-the portion 33g of said lever being bent or twisted so that handle 33I is arrangedin a plane at substantially right langles to the portion 33 of the lever. Also as will be apparent from Flug. 2, the left-hand surface of the handle 33? will serve as a reflector for the beam of light emitted through the aforementioned opening Il to assist in indicating that the switch is in on position. As will be noted, the terminal plates 23 and 28, with thevinbinding screws 23'I and 28, are preferably of identical form, and the same as shown are provided with wire beard guards or lugs 23 and 28h.' y

The construction of the switch illustrated in Figs. 7 to 12 is in certain respects quite similarD to that aforedescribed, andlenables use of certain parts iden ical with those aforedescribed and use of other parts formed from blanks identical with the blanks employed in constructing the switch of Figs. l to 6. To avoid confusion, however, I have used different reference numeils to designate the switch parts in Figs. 7 to I I 'I'hus I employ a casing 31 having sides 38, 39, 4ll and 4I; the sides 38, 39 and 40 having lugs 38", 39 and 40 the cut edges of which form a seat or abutment for the flat punched insulating plate 42 which forms the base of the switch. Lugs 38, 39h, 481,'4|b and 4I (Fig. 8) are adapted to be bent inwardlyl over plate 42 to retain the same in'position within the casing. Casing 31 is provided with a top wall 43 which extends throughout a portion only of the area of the 1 casing, and a pair of lugs are located in the plane of said top wall,-one of the pair of lugs being shown at 43 in Fig. 11. The opposite walls 38 and 40 are each provided with a pair of lugs the cut edges of which are spaced downwardly from the plane of top wall 43; the pair of lugs associated with wall 38 being shown at 38, 38d in Fig. 11.

A bracket 44 like that aforedescribed has the lower arm 44a of the U slidably positioned between the top wall 43 and lugs (such as 43a) and the cut edges of the lugs (such as 38C, 38d) associated with walls C38 and 49. The upper arm of the bracket is provided with a threaded opening to receive the shank of the manuallyk tight`' enable clamping screw 45, the pointed end 45EL vof the shank of which bites into the upper surface of the flange portion 46a of dashboard 46.

The front wall 4I of casing 31 may be embossed or otherwise formed as indicated at 4Ig, 4Ih and 4Ii to provide a pleasing and attractive appearance to the portion of the casing which is exposed at the front surface of the dashboard 46 (see Figs. 10 and 11). Said front wall 4I is also preferably provided with legends, such as shown at 4I, 4I and IIIg forr cooperation with the handle portion 47|b of an operating lever 41 to indicate the low-speed, off and high-speed positions ofthe 1switch mechanism. Base 42 is provided withfa number of openings of suitable shape, arranged as shown in the severalgures, to accommodate and to provide for attachment of the several switch parts.

'I'he switch mechanism comprises a pair of stationary contacts 48 and 49, preferably formed of flat strip metalstock, and 'a contacter 50 which is punched and stamped from a sheet or strip of suitable resilient metal, such as phosphor bronze. Contact 48 'is secured ilatwise to base 42 as by means .of arivet 5I which penetrates alined openings in vnase 42 and terminal plate 52 and is upset overthelatter (Fig. 8). Contact 48 is provided with an integral lug 48a which engages the walls of the reduced end 5 3 of an opening in plate 42- to prevent lateral displacement of said contactfThe larger end portion (not shown) lofopening. 53 provides clearance for the shank of -a binding screw 54 associated with terminal plate 52, and contact 48 is likewise provided with an opening (Fig. 7) to afford clearance for said screw shank.

Contact 49 is rigidly attached atwise to base 42 by a rivet 55, the hollow end of which is upset over base i2 as shown in Fig. 8. Contact 49 is preferably provided with a lug 49a which extends into a suitable opening in base d2 to insure against lateral displacement of said contact with respect to said base. The contacter 50 comprises a p0rtion 50- which is secured atwise to base 42 as by means of a rivet 55 the shank of which penetrates an opening in terminal plate 51 and is upset over the latter (Fig. 8). Base 42 is provided with an opening 53 (Fig. 7) to aord clearance for the shank of binding screw 59 carried by plate 51.

Contactor 55 is provided with a relatively narrow slit 450b extending throughout the major portion of the length thereof whereby right-hand and left-hand contactor arms 50, 50d are provided. Contactor 5t is likewise provided with a lug 50 which engages the walls of an opening 60 in base 42 to assist in restraining said contactor 'against lateral displacement. The two arms 50 and 50d of contacter 50 are bent upwardly at a corresponding angle from the base portion 50,as best illustrated in Fig. 11, and said arms are` then bent to extend' downwardly toward the plane of contacts 49 and 58, respectively. The

contactor arms 50 and 50(i are' respectively provided at their forward ends with lateral outward extensions 501, 508, and the tips 50h, 50i of said extensions are bent downwardly whereby the -same normally tend to engage the respective contacts 49 and 48. As will be noted, however, I provide the adjacent portions of extensions50f, 50 with upwardly angled lugs 503, 50, of the character best illustrated in Figf9, and I interpose between the upper surface Qf base 42and said extensions 50f, 502 an annular fiat pla/te 6| of insulating material,the thickness of plate 6l being such rthat in the intermediate position thereof illustrated in Fig. 9 the extensions 501, 50E will be so spaced from the upper surface of base. 42 as to insure disengagement of the contactor tips 50i, 5l)h from the respective contacts 48 and 49.

The means for effecting movement of plate 6| toward each extreme position from the intermediate position thereof illustrated in Fig. 9 comprises an insulating stud or pin 62 the lower cylindricalend of which is seated, preferably with a fairly tight or drive fit, within a correspondingly shaped opening 41 in the disk-like portion 41e of the operating lever 41. Pin 62 is provided with an intermediate enlargement $2a which is preferably of cylindrical form,-the lwer end or shoulder formed by said enlargement 62a being adapted to seat against the uppersurface of the aforementioned portion 41' of lever 41. The portion 62b of pin 62 is positioned within the central opening in plate 6I, and the rounded or hemispherical upper end of portion 62 projects beyond the upper surface of plate 6I. When the pin 62 is in the intermediate position thereof shown in Fig. 9 said rounded upper end thereof.

is` located between the upwardly angled lugs 501, 50k, and 'said lugsact to resist movement ofthe pin in either direction from said intermediate position, whereby a very definite feel of the lever in the off position of the switch mechanism is provided.

Base 42 is provided with an arcuate slot 63 (Figs. 8 and 9) which provides clearance for the enlarged portion 62a of the pin. The means forV limiting movement of pin 62 `in opposite directions preferably comprises a stud or projection 41d which is extruded from the upper surface ofthe ,portion 41*L of the operating lever,-base 42 having an arcuate slot 64 to provide clearance for stud 41d and having end walls to be engaged arsenic carries plate 5i toward the left out of engagement with the extension 50g of the contactor arm 50, whereupon the inherent resiliency of said contactor arm results in downward movement of the tip 50l thereof into engagement with contact 48. Such a relationship of the parts is substantially illustrated in the modified form of switch shown in Fig. 12. In Fig. 12 a pin.65, having its lower end tightly fitted into the opening 41c in portion 41 of the operating lever, is provided with an enlargement 65 having clearance in slot 63, and an integral annular extension 651, which corresponds with the plate 6i of Fig. 9. 'Ihe rounded upper end 65 of the extensionin Fig. 12 corresponds in form andfunction to the rounded upper end of the portion B2b' of the pin in Fig. 9.

As will be apparent from Fig. 12, when the pin 65 is moved toward the right from the position thereof illustrated the peripheral edge of the annular extension (i5b will engage the angular lug 50k with consequent lifting of the extension 50g of contactor arm 50d, whereby its tip 50i is disengaged from"contact 48 to interrupt the circuit theretofore completed. At the same time the angular lug 5l)j will act upon the rounded upper Q of the pin will act upon the angular lug 50k to lift 'the extension 50g of contactor arm 50d whereby the tip 5!)l of the latter is still farther separated from contact 48.-,-and at the same time the annular extension 65 is disengaged from extension 50f and its angular lug 50j to permit the tip 50r of the contactor arm 50c to move by its own bias or resiliency into engagement with contact 49.

As best shown in Fig. 11 the operating lever 41 is pivotally supported with respect to base 42 as by means of a pivot pin the enlarged head 66 of which acts to retain the lever against substantial downward displacement relatively to the base. Said pin is provided with an intermediate portion 66 against which the circular wall of the opening 41e in portion 41 of the lever is adapted to bear. Said pin is further provided with va reduced portion 66b which penetrates a correspondingly shaped opening in base v42,--the hollow end of said portion 66b being upset over the upper surface of said base, as shown at 66.

Referring now,to Figs. '7, 8 and 10, let it be assumed that the terminal plate 51 (electrically connected with the contactor arms 50,.50d) is `connected to one terminal of. a battery (not minal of such motor being likewise connected to ground. Then upon movement of operating lever 41 tothe right-hand dotted line position (Fig. '1) the tip 5I!i ofv contactor arm 50dv is engaged with contact 48 to provide a direct 'connection between the aforementioned battery and the motor, with consequent operation of the latter at full or high speed (see Fig. 10).

However, if the operating lever 41 is moved to the left-hand dotted line position (Fig. 7) the tip 50h of contactor arm 50 is engaged with contact 49. A suitable length of resistance wire is interposed between the contacts 49 and 48,--

said wire preferably being in the form of a helix 51 which is provided at opposite ends with straight portions 61, 61b to support vthe same in spaced-relation to the upper surface of base 42 (see Fig. 11); and said ends are provided with looped portions 61, 61d which respectively underlie the heads of rivets 55 and 5| to mechanically and electrically `connect said helix to said contacts. Accordingly Ywith lever 41 in the left-hand position thereof (Fig. 7) a circuit is completed from terminal plate 51 to contactor arm 50, through the tip 5l)h of the latter to contact 49, thence through the resistance wire helix 51 to contact 48 and terminal plate 51. The motor controlled by the switch is therefore loperated at low or reduced speed.

The primary purpose in forming the partial upper end wall 15 and lugs 151, |58 in the man` ner best illtrated in Fig. 1 is to facilitate insertion and removal of the electric'y lamp 21 after final assembly of the switch parts and prior to insertion of the arm I6a of bracket I6. When it is not desired to employ a signal lamp, the top wa1l-l5e might be formed to extend throughout substantially the entire area ofc the casing,-

it being only necessary'to insure that the rear end wall I5n of the casing is sufficiently short to provide for insertion of the bracket arm Iiia in the manner aforedescribed. The particular form of the casing I5 shown in Figs. l to 6 is not only desirable from the viewpoint of facilitating insertion and removal of the signal lamp, but it also enables production thereof by relatively simple punching and stamping operations. At the same time the amount or weight of the metal required in forming the casing is minimized. Accordingly the casing 31 employed in constructing the switch of Figs. 1 to 12 is substantially identical with the casing I5 of Figs. 1 to 6, except for omission of the opening 15d shown in Figs. 3, 4 and 6, and addition'of the legends as shown at 41d, 4le and 4l (Fig. 10).

In prior devices involving a switch and a bracket for mounting the same upon the lower ange of ani` automobile dashboard it has been customary to attach the switch to a projecting portion of the bracket by the usual one-hole mounting means. By employment of my improved construction (see Figs. 6 and l1) the mounting bracket is entirely concealed from view, and the switch projects only to the extent of its own depthbe1ow the lower flange of the dashboard,-wherefore interference with leg room in the automobile is reduced to a minimum.

Due to the more complete styling of automot in and said lever having "I extensions terminal elements are respectively attached, said t contactor being normally biased into engagement with said contact, a punched and stamped sheet metal operating lever pivotally supported upon the lower surface of said base and having a handle portion projecting beyond one end of the latter, said base having an opening formed therean integral lug engageable with the respective end walls of said opening to limit the oscillatory movements of said lever, said base having another opening formed therein, an insulating member movable with respect to said last mentioned opening, said insulating member being adapted in one pition thereof to permit movement of said contactor` under its bias into engagement with said contact, said insulating member when moved to another position thereof being adapted to move said contactor against its bias out of engagement with said contact, and said lever having an operative connection with said insulating member to provide for movement of the latter from each position thereof to the other upon-corresponding movements of said lever.

2. In an electric switch, in combination, an insulating base, a pair of contacts positioned in spaced relation to each other upon the upper surface of said base, a contactor formed of resilient metal and positioned between said contacts, said contactor having a pair of forwardly extending integral arms the forward ends of which are provided with lateral extensions to respectively overlie said contacts, said contactor being so formed as to normally provide for biasing of said into engagement an insulating member interposed between said base and the forward ends of said arms, said insulating member being` adapted in an intermediate position thereof to engage both of said arms to withhold the extensions thereof from engagement with the respective contacts, said member being movable in either direction from said intermediate position to selectively permit engagement of the respective extensions with said contacts under said bias, and means comprising an operating lever pivotally supported by said base for eifecting such movements of said insulating member. y v

3. In an electric switch, in combination, a base comprising a flatpunched plate of insulation, a pair of punched sheet metal contacts seated atwise in spaced relation to each other upon the upper surface of said base, a contactor formed of resilient sheet metal, said contactor having a rear end portion yseated atwise upon said upper surface of the base, means for rigidly securing said contacts and the rear end portion of said contactor to said base, said contactor having a pair of integral arms extending forwardlylbetweenisaid pair of contacts, said'arms'having upwardly inclined lugs formed at the adjacent edges of the forward ends thereof, each of said forward ends having a lateral extension adapted to overlie one of said contacts respectively, the arms of said contactor being bent to normally provideifor with said contacta' y out of engagement with said engagement of the tips of said extensions with the respective contacts, an insulating member interposed between said base and the forward ends of said arms, said insulating member being adapted in an intermediate position to engage both of said arms to withhold the tips of both of said exintermediate position, means comprising an operating lever pivotally supported upon the lower surface of said base and projecting outwardly beyond one edge of the latter, said base and said lever having cooperating parts to definitely limit the throw ofj'the latter. and said lever having a driving connection with said insulating member.

4. In an electric switch, in combination, an insulating base, a pair of wiring terminal elements positionedupon said base, a. stationary contact and a non-rotatable, resilient contact'or also positioned upon said base, means for electrically.

connectingsaid wiring terminal elements with said contact and said contactor respectively, said contactor being normally biased by its resiliency into vengagement with said contact, an operating lever pivotally supported by said base and having a portion thereof projecting beyond one end of the base, said base and said lever having cooperating shoulders formed thereon to limit oscillatory movement of said lever, a pair of contacts yassociated with said base and adapted to receive the center and shell contacts of an electric lamp, means providing an electrical connection between one of said pair of Acontacts and one of said terminal elements, the other of said pair of contacts 'being connected to ground, and said lever being operable to effect movement of saidcontactar toward and from the plane of said base into and first mentioned contact to jointly complete and interrupt an internal,

circuit through the lamp contacts and an external circuit to an energy translating device of suitable form.

` 5. In an electric switch, in combination, an insulating base, a pair of wiring terminal eleaiccfiie ments positioned upon said base, a stationary contact rigidly attached to said base and electrically connected with one of said terminal elements, a resilient contactor having one end therea of rigidly attached to said base and electrically connected with thesother' terminal element, said contactor having a free end portion overlying one surface of said base and said stationary contact and normally biased into engagement with the latter, said base having an opening formed therein in alinement tactor, an insulating 'member positioned -within said opening, said insulating member being oi' greater ,height than the thickness of said base, a metal cam member supported for rotary movement relatively to said base at the surface of the latter opposite to said contacter, said cam member being adapted'in one rotary position thereof to accommodate a portion of said insulating with a portion of said conmember wherebysaid contacter, may move under its bias into engagement with said stationary contact, said cam member being also adapted upon rotary movement thereof from said ,position to elfect movement of said insulating member and said contactor against the bias of the latter to effect disengagement thereof from said stationary contact, and manually operable means for effecting such rotary movement of said cam member relatively to said base.

6. In an electric switch, in combination, an insulating base, a stationary contact positioned upon the upper surface of said base, a contactor formed of ,resilient metal and attached to the upper surface of said base at one end of the latter, said contactor having an integral portion extending toward the oppositeend of said base, the

free end of said integral portion having a lateralv extension which overlies a portion of said contact, said contactor being so formed as to normally provide for biasing of said extension into engagement with said contact, an insulating member interposed between said base and said lateral extension, said insulating member being adapted in one position thereof to withhold said extension from engagement with said contact, said insulating member being movable to another position .thereof to permit engagement of said extension with said contact under said bias, and means comprising an operating member supported by said base for eifecting movement of said insulating member from each position thereof to the other.

,. ALVIN W. KRIEGER. 

